The NHL has released the rosters for the upcoming All-Star game in L.A. Now, for the past few All-Star games, the fans voted for who starts in the All-Star game for each teams. For the most part, there hasn't been any big uproar in the past for the fans' selections. Having said that, I am convinced that San Jose fans stuffed the ballots.

For the North American team, Vincent Damphousse and Owen Nolan are starting forwards, while Teemu Selanne is a starting forward for the World team. Now, all three of them probably wouldn't get into the All-Star game based on their play so far this year. Neither of the three players are in the top 30 scorers. Nolan only had 35 pts. in 43 games, Damphousse only has 33 pts. in 45 games, and Selanne has only 30 pts. in 45 games. With players out there like Doug Weight(42 pts. in 45 games), Simon Gagne (42 pts. in 43 games), and Marian Gaborik (41 pts. in 43 games) this season, the three Starting Sharks are definately not all-star material. Yet, they get to be starters only because fans voted them in. Pavol Demitra or Sami Kapanen should be in Selanne's spot. Nolan and Damphousse should be replaced with Jarome Igilna and Joe Thornton. Hopefully the NHL wisens up and withdraws fans-voting-in-starters for the next few All-Star games.

Remember, fan voting is NOT based on performance this season or any season.It is based on popularity!!

Sure, sometimes they happen to coincide but that is because sometimes the best player for that position is also the most popular (jagr, mario, gretz, kariya, etc in the past)

This year it just happens to not be like that.I bet many fans go like 'who the fuck is Iginla? while filling in the name that they do know.Damphousse and Nolan are seasoned All-Star Game veterans so that might help too..

Imagine this is some funny signature. Then I will imagine you compliment me on it.

I like the All Star lineup this year. Specifically the alternates that the NHL picked because the fans, well, they always do a crappy job of picking the starters. Damphouse an All Star? Yeah, back in his Montreal days.

I'm looking forward to the young stars game on Feb 1st. Mainly because it'll be 4 on 4 and Barry Melrose gets to return to coaching. The downside is that these guys are my age (21) and younger and they're playing in the NHL.